Philosophy

As an elite show kennel, our focus is on improving the Baggins bloodline and the quality of the Shar-Pei breed in general.

I carefully select each breeding pair in an attempt to improve various genetic traits: either to strengthen desirable traits or to eliminate negative ones. Many of the traits I am targeting are recessive, which means they may be carried but not apparent in any given dog. By tracking the traits in the parents and offspring of each Shar-Pei, I build up a pretty good estimate of who carries what. I can then use this to choose breeding pairs in an attempt to combine the best traits in a single individual.

I choose very few dogs from each generation to continue in my breeding and showing program: only those who may be an improvement over the previous generation. Many of the dogs who do not make the cut are excellent in almost every way: often being good enough to become champions in their own right. I sell all of these dogs. I do not keep any just to produce more puppies. Several have gone to overseas Shar-Pei kennels to become the foundation of new bloodlines there.